Speaking to Causeway Coast Community this evening, Cllr Wilson said “Over 40 lodges and 2,000 people paraded through Rasharkin at today’s Twelfth of July celebrations.
Thankfully the weather stayed dry as thousands of people of all ages turned out to line the streets to enjoy the parade. From start to finish the day was very relaxed and family-focused, the festival atmosphere was created by the many families and people of all ages attending the event and enjoying proceedings from their gardens. As I edge towards my 20th year in the Order, the Twelfth is still a special day for me, just like it is for all brethren celebrating their culture.
Over the last 20 years I have been hugely encouraged to see so many young people getting involved with the Orange Order and the local bands scene. There is clearly a transition underway, bands are going strong and the young people within the bands scene want to get into their local lodges and learn more about their rich culture and heritage.
This years Twelfth of July celebrations were fantastic, to see so many people from all over the local area including local residents enjoying todays proceedings was more than encouraging.”
